Kerswell family crest and coat of arms

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Meaning of the Kerswell family crest symbols

Fleur-de-lis

The fleur-de-lis is one of the oldest in international heraldry. It represents purity, light and religious devotion including connotations of the Virgin Mary. It stands as a connection to the family's earliest religious associations and beliefs.

Bird - Martlet/Martlette

The martlet bird is a symbol of the speed and agility of family members to act quickly and decisively when needed. They represent the swiftness of thought and action that is necessary to protect and care for one's family.

Meaning of the Kerswell coat of arms colors

Silver

The silver or white color on the coat of arms, (known as 'Argent'), signifies sincerity and peacefulness. It is one of the oldest colors known in ancient heraldry.

Yellow/Gold

The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.

Kerswell name meaning and origin

Kerswell is a surname of English origin, specifically from the South West region. It is a locational name derived from a place called 'Kerswell' in Devon. The name itself is composed of two Old English elements: 'cearse', which means 'cress', and 'wiella', which translates to 'spring' or 'stream'. Therefore, Kerswell can be interpreted as 'the spring or stream where cress grows'. This suggests that the original bearers of the name likely lived or worked near such a location.

History of family crests like the Kerswell coat of arms

Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.

The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.

The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.

Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.

Kerswell name variations and their meaning

The family name Kerswell has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Kerswall, which maintains the same pronunciation but alters the spelling slightly. Another variation is Kerswill, which adds an additional "i" to the name. This variation may have originated from a different region or dialect. Kerswold is another variation that has been observed, with the substitution of the "ell" ending for "old." This variation could have been influenced by regional accents or changes in pronunciation over generations. Additionally, Kerswel is another variation that has been documented, with the removal of the second "l" in the name. This alteration could have occurred due to clerical errors or changes in spelling conventions. Overall, these variations of the family name Kerswell demonstrate the fluidity and evolution of surnames over time.

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